Howard M. Helsinger concentrates his practice in estate planning, estate administration, probate, charitable planning, and trust and estate related litigation. Howard is a partner and a member of the firm's Executive Committee.
Honors
Selected by peers as an Illinois Leading Lawyer in: Individual Tax Law; Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law (2012-2017)
Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers (2005, 2008-2013, 2015-2016)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated, Chicago's Top Rated Lawyers, Trusts and Estates (2012); 5.0/5.0 Overall Client Rating – Martindale.com
Publications
-
02/11/2016
SFGH Attorneys Named 2016 Illinois Super Lawyers
Leading attorney rating service recognizes SFGH lawyers.
-
06/24/2013
Ten Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer Attorneys Honored as Leading Lawyers
Ten attorneys at Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP have been recognized by Leading Lawyers Magazine for their selection by their peers as top lawyers in Illinois.
-
01/16/2013
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP Named Among 2013's Top Ranked Law Firms by LexisNexis® Martindale-Hubbell®
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP has been named one of 2013's Top Ranked Law Firms across the United States by LexisNexis® Martindale-Hubbell®.
-
07/01/2010
Advising the Trust or Estate Litigant: When to Raise or Fold
In this article originally published in the July 2010 issue of the Estate Planning Journal, Howard M. Helsinger discusses issues concerning how to advise a trust and estate litigant.
Speaking Engagements
-
07/01/2021
Howard Helsinger moderates “Now Is the Time: Tax and Estate Planning Opportunities in 2021”
On May 20, 2021, the University of Chicago invited SFGH partner Howard Helsinger to discuss current issues and opportunities in tax and estate planning in a webinar entitled “Now Is the Time: Tax and Estate Planning Opportunities in 2021.” Howard, who is also a lecturer in the Private Wealth Management program of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, covered issues relating to new laws and proposed changes the new administration has put forth concerning tax law that could have an impact on the estate planning process. Howard, who brings many years of experience in tax and estate planning, answered questions like: What are the basic estate planning items you need to have in place for peace of mind? And, what do you need to do if the estate tax law changes?
-
10/18/2017
Howard Helsinger lectures at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education seminar on Private Wealth Management.
On October 18, 2017, SFGH partner Howard Helsinger will lecture on multi-generational estate planning and tax planning, in a week long course on Private Wealth Management offered by the Executive Education program of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The course, offered twice a year, draws wealthy families from around the world. Faculty in the course include experts on investment management, private equity, family offices, and philanthropy.
-
01/18/2017
Howard Helsinger speaks at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education seminar on Private Wealth Management.
On Wednesday, Jan 18, Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP partner Howard Helsinger spoke at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business on planning to deal with changes in estate and income taxes.
-
10/19/2016
Howard Helsinger to lecture at University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education Program on Private Wealth Management for Individuals and Families
On October 19, 2016 Howard Helsinger will lecture at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education Program on Private Wealth Management for Individuals and Families.
-
04/27/2016
Howard Helsinger lectured at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education Program in a course on Private Wealth Management for Individuals and Families.
On April 27, 2016 Howard Helsinger lectured at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education Program in a course on Private Wealth Management for Individuals and Families.
-
04/25/2016
Howard Helsinger lectured on Multi-generational Estate & Tax planning at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in a course on Private Wealth Management open to MBA and JD candidates
On April 25, 2016 Howard Helsinger lectured on Multi-generational Estate & Tax planning at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in a course on Private Wealth Management open to MBA and JD candidates.
-
04/28/2015
Howard Helsinger to return for 9th year as lecturer in the Private Wealth Management program of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
In April 2015, Howard M. Helsinger will, for the 9th year, lecture on sophisticated estate planning for wealthy families in the Private Wealth Management course of the Executive Education program of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
News
-
05/09/2019
Jonathan P. Friedland, Howard M. Helsinger, Christopher J. Horvay, Matthew B. Schiff, Richard A. Sugar and Elizabeth B. Vandesteeg selected as 2019 Illinois Super Lawyers
SFGH congratulates Jonathan P. Friedland, Howard M. Helsinger, Christopher J. Horvay, Matthew B. Schiff, Richard A. Sugar and Elizabeth B. Vandesteeg for being selected as 2019 Illinois Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers Magazine.
Civic & Professional
- Chicago Bar Association, Probate Rules and Forms Committee, Member (1997 – present)
- National Humanities Center, planned giving advisor (1999-2005)
- The Newberry Library, planned giving advisor (2001-2005)
- Chicago Bar Association, Probate Practice Executive Committee, Chair (1998-1999)
- Chicago Bar Association, Committee on Reform of the Rule Against Perpetuities, Chair (1995-1996)
- Chicago Bar Association, Committee on the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, Member (1985-1986)
- K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Foundation, Chair (1995-1998)
- K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Congregation, President (1989-1991)
- Resource Center, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, Board of Directors (1986-1991)
Howard M. Helsinger's recent or notable engagements and experience includes:
- Provided multigenerational planning and counsel to countless families and individuals from all walks of life.
- Represented a major Chicago trust company in extended litigation interpreting a significant change in the Illinois Probate Act.
- Defended in Tax Court the Executor of a $50,000,000 estate against IRS challenges to valuation of estate assets.
- Represented in probate court the intended beneficiary of a gift claimed by the executor to belong to the estate.
- Served as expert witness in several attorney malpractice actions involving claims of breaches of fiduciary duties.
- Represented a major Mexican conglomerate in suing a major national bank alleging breaches of fiduciary duties.
- Represented beneficiaries in a suit against a national trust company alleging failure to properly invest trust funds.
Illinois
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. Supreme Court
J.D., University of Chicago
Ph.D., Princeton University
B.A., Haverford College
Honors
Selected by peers as an Illinois Leading Lawyer in: Individual Tax Law; Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law (2012-2017)
Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers (2005, 2008-2013, 2015-2016)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated, Chicago's Top Rated Lawyers, Trusts and Estates (2012); 5.0/5.0 Overall Client Rating – Martindale.com